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Blythe Spirit

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Blythe Spirit is the fourth album that the American alto saxophonist Arthur Blythe made for Columbia. It was recorded in New York in 1981. It is a mixture of original compositions and well-known pieces, such as Strike Up the Band by George and Ira Gershwin and Misty by Erroll Garner. There is also a traditional, Just a Closer Walk with Thee.

On most tracks he plays with cello, guitar, tuba and drums, an unusual line-up. On Misty, by contrast, we hear piano and bass, played by John Hicks and Fred Hopkins. On the closing track Amina Claudine Myers plays organ. Scott Yanow of AllMusic calls the record one of the most balanced of his Columbia period, with ties to hard bop, rhythm and blues and the avant-garde. NME placed the album thirtieth on its list of the best records of 1981.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Misty and notice how the alto saxophone plays the familiar melody, this time with only piano, bass and drums beneath it.

Track list

  1. 1Contemplation6:56Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Faceless Woman6:41Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Reverence6:27Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Strike Up the Band2:45Apple Music ↗
  5. 5Misty7:27Apple Music ↗
  6. 6Spirits in the Field3:32Apple Music ↗
  7. 7Just a Closer Walk with Thee5:28Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs